Since being introduced to the local market, the petrol powered Tiggo 4 has proven to be
a popular choice among new car buyers, picking up a string of awards along the way.
Now the best-selling small SUV from Chinese auto giant Chery has taken on hybrid
status.
Similar to the petrol-powered models, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid is available in two value-
packed variants, the entry-level Urban, starting at $29,990, and top-of-the-range
Ultimate, at $34,990. Both are driveaway. The car is firmly rooted in budget territory with
the likes of the Toyota Yaris Cross, Honda HR-V, MG ZS and Hyundai Kona Hybrid.
The Tiggo 4 Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric
motor and small battery pack.
The Tiggo 4 Hybrid is backed by Chery’s comprehensive seven-year unlimited-kilometre
warranty, seven years of capped price servicing and up to seven years of roadside
assistance.
STYLING
The MY26 Tiggo 4 Hybrid mostly has looks handed down from the ICE model, which
include newly designed 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels, and a striking new rear design
featuring LED taillights plus a light bar that stretches across the tailgate – a signature
highlight across the Chery lineup.
The 17-inch aero wheels are the biggest external difference between the hybrid and
non-hybrid versions. In profile, the Tiggo 4, in general, takes on station wagon styling.
INTERIOR
With seating for five, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid driver and front passenger get heated seats,
the driver of the Ultimate flagship wins four-way power lumber support. There’s a soft-
touch dashboard with gloss black trim and buttons – ‘fingerprint 101. The centre console
follows suit.
Rear seats are 60:40 split fold and with 470 litres up to roof, the boot is big but suffers
from a ‘pimple’ on its bottom due to the 12-volt battery poking up from underneath.
However, there is a space-saver spare wheel there too, which does not impinge on the
flat floor.
INFOTAINMENT
Standard inclusions range from dual 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and multimedia
touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus innovative ‘Hello Chery’ voice
recognition.
The Ultimate takes on a six-speaker sound system (4 speakers, two tweeters) against
four-speaker sound in the Urban. Both boast steering wheel mounted controls.
Connectivity and device charging are well catered for all round.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Under the bonnet is Chery’s new series-parallel hybrid system, combining a 1.5-litre
petrol engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. The petrol engine
produces a max power/torque of 71kW/120Nm, while the electric motor provides
150kW/310Nm, with a claimed combined fuel economy of only 5.4 litres per 100
kilometres.
SAFETY
Safety of occupants is paramount and features seven airbags and a proliferation of
active safety features found in the latest vehicles, plus Advanced Driver Assistance.
This includes autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping, adaptive cruise
control, blind spot detection, speed limit info and speed control assist, front and rear
parking sensors, plus 360-degree around-view camera.
Security is covered by proximity locking and unlocking of the vehicle when in
possession of the key fob, passive-entry start and stop via the driver’s seat.
DRIVING
With its superior electric motor, the internal combustion engine is the primary source of
propulsion. The 150kW/310Nm outputs of the e-motor, as opposed to 71kW/120Nm,
does the heavy lifting, with the ICE cutting in and out seamlessly to keep the battery
topped up. Fuel consumption hovered around 5 litres per kilometre.
On the road there’s a bit of Bugs Bunny about the car, hopping here and there on
uneven road surfaces, of which there are plenty in my world. Steering is on the light
side, which may not be to everybody’s liking but comes to the fore when parking.
And the connection between both power plants did appear unsure when slowing under
electric power, the car sensing the load increasing and getting the ICE to chip in,
causing minor lurching.
Safety systems, with inconsistent reasons to cut in – a work in progress. The driver
monitoring is down with the worst offenders, with its constant dinging at the least
suggestion of driver distraction.
Other offenders, which I cannot pick out, can be turned off until the next system start-up.
SUMMARY
The Tiggo 4 Hybrid entry-level Urban is leading the push of small SUVs into the bargain
basement. The Ultimate is the way to go. However, it’s quite a financial step up to the
flagship. But worth the effort.
RATINGS
Looks – 6
Performance – 7
Safety – 8
Thirst – 5
Practicality – 8
Comfort – 8
Tech – 7
Value – 8
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Urban $29,990
Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate $34,990
Note: These prices are driveaway
SPECIFICATIONS (Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate 1.5-litre petrol/electric, 1sp Dedicated
Hybrid Transmission, FWD, SUV)
ENGINE
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 71kW
Maximum torque: 120Nm
Fuel type: Premium unleaded petrol 91RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 5.4L/100km
CO2 emissions 123g/km
Electric range: 95km
Electric energy consumption: 154kWh/km
ELECTRIC MOTOR
Permanent magnet synchronised motor
Maximum Net Power: 150kW
Maximum Net Torque: 310Nm
BATTERY PACK
Type: Lithium iron phosphate
Capacity:18.4kWh
DRIVELINE: Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, FWD
Drive modes: Eco/Sport
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4330mm
Width: 1830mm
Height: 1655mm
Wheelbase: 2604mm:
Turning circle: 11.1m
Gross vehicle mass: 1905kg
Fuel tank: 51L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Seven years / unlimited kilometres (vehicle)
Seven years / 150,000 kilometres (HEV components)
Roadside assist up to 7 years
